What Is "Strap Burn"? Experts on How to Avoid and Treat Skin Irritation During Sex

This story originally appeared on Out.In a world full of a million different kinds of sex toys, the strap-on reigns supreme. It’s simple — some type of harness and a dildo — but serves so many purposes. The most recognizable lesbian sex toy is great for penetrative sapphic sex, pegging, and masturbation, and can even help alleviate gender dysphoria during or outside of sex.The only problem? Sometimes the most iconic toy in the sapphic tool belt can cause pain and discomfort. Have you ever had sex on the floor and ended up with rug burn? Well, turns out “strap burn” can be a real problem too.The chafing that can come from using a strap-on isn’t often talked about, which means that unless you have a group of queer friends who can clue you in, or are up for chatting with your friendly neighborhood sex store clerk, you might not know how common “strap burn” is or that there are ways to solve it. Whether you’re a strap-on newbie who ended up chafed right out of the gate, or you're an old pro who loves giving strap, but could use a little guidance so you can go all night long without messing up your skin, there are tips and tricks that will keep you from getting “strap burn.”What is 'strap burn'? @wrongsaucepodcast Strap burn is real with @jkiillem & @Kingkelzz #queer #lgbt🌈 #wlw #fyp #fypシ “Strap burn,” or strap-on burn, is the chafing that comes from a “too-tight, ill-fitting or rough strap-on” harness, Good Vibes Sexologist Carol Queen tells Out.“It can feel uncomfortable during use, but can also chafe the skin so that the discomfort continues even after the harness is removed,” she says.The friction from the harness rubbing irritates the skin, leaving it raw and sore, but position and the weight of the dildo you’ve picked can also play a role. “It’s also common for the skin to get red, tender or irritated, and the strap burn often happens when the harness is too loosely or tightly fitted, when you’re creating so much fric